Mindful Employer Swindon is part of the National Mindful Employer Project.

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The MINDFUL EMPLOYER Network Conference in Swindon was an outstanding example of a business community in a town working together to improve health and wellbeing. Lack of mental well being in the workplace is costing the UK £25.9billion per annum in terms of sickness absence, presenteeism and turnover, and an additional nearly £5b in terms of incapacity benefit. It is not only economically costly but also costly to the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families. Initiatives like MINDFUL EMPLOYER energizes employers to do something about the wellbeing of their employees is of vital importance to the health of the nation.
Cary L. Cooper, CBE, Distinguished Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health, Lancaster University

Maggie Hysel (Chief Executive, Richmond Fellowship) meeting conference key note speaker Professor Cary Cooper CBE at the Swindon Marriott.

Launch Conference Attracts Top Speakers
Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire which manages the Swindon MINDFUL EMPLOYER network and supported by the Swindon Primary Care Trust produced an outstanding launch event at the Swindon Marriott on 23 March 2009. ITV presenter Wesley Smith hosted for the occasion and the local media were keen to be associated with the conference. This included a contribution from Swindon Advertiser Editor Dave King on the issue of stigma.

Gavin Jones ( Chief Executive, Swindon Borough Council) introduced the new MINDFUL EMPLOYER short film made by James Harrison of Morris Lane Creative Media. Gavin explained why the Borough has signed up to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter - a point also echoed by Thames Valley Chamber Group Chief Executive Paul Briggs.

The event benefited from contributions by Maggie Hysel of Richmond Fellowship and Michelle Howard of the Swindon Primary Care Trust with Christine Pratt (Chief Executive, National Bullying Helpline) introducing the keynote speaker Professor Cary Cooper. He has a compelling message for employers that negative stress is damaging your health and your business.

The conference closed with a presentation by Lynne Copp (The Worklife Company) who left delegates in no doubt that worklife balance was not just desirable but necessary. Very well attended event with support from AudioMSG and producer Beckie Hughies.

Swindon MINDFUL EMPLOYER Network film. Click here.

Swindon Mindful Employer Network
Meeting every few months the expanding Swindon MINDFUL EMPLOYER Network is a valuable resource for local employers on issues relating to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. MINDFUL EMPLOYER has attracted employers of all sizes from the private, public and voluntary sector who come together to share experience and best practice.

FREE to join for local employers - the next Network meetings are being held in June, September and November 2009.

For more information please contact David on 01793 433571 or email here.